I have found two programs online (from IAT and from Process Control Solutions) to do this, but they are both ~$5000, and I would assume that there has to be another way. Is the format readable on a Linux/Unix system?

Also, the DCS guy for the plant told me I might damage the DCS if I put a PC formatted ZIP disk in it. Is that true?

 

Honeywell have the File transfer software which can be loaded on a GUS or APP node. There are also some internal Honeywell tools that allow "*.lcn" files to be read on a PC. For a PC connected to a zip drive the IAT software is good, maybe they would do a deal for a one off license? I wouldn't be to concerned about a PC zip in a LCN drive - it will just be seen as not formatted.